Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness and a method of relaxation and concentration that provides access to a unique state of consciousness.

Hypnotherapy is the process of psychotherapy with a client who is in the hypnotic altered state of consciousness. Hypnotherapy is a safe way to bypass our conscious mind (the thought patterns that hold us back) and talk directly to the unconscious mind. This relaxed state is different from your everyday awareness. In hypnotherapy, clients go into a trance state that allows their conscious mind to move out of the way and permit them to access their subconscious mind.

During hypnotherapy:

• Your attention is more focused
• You are more responsive to positive suggestions
• You are more open and less critical or disbelieving

Hypnotherapy is a proven tool to help people access areas of their consciousness that are often otherwise obscured or hidden. The purpose of hypnotherapy as a therapeutic technique is to help you gain more control over your behavior, emotions or physical well-being. We say that the hypnosis creates a state of deep relaxation and quiets the mind. When you are in the hypnotic trance state, you can concentrate intensely on a specific thought, memory, feeling or sensation while blocking out distractions. You are more open than usual to positive suggestions, which can be used to change behavior and thereby improve your health and well-being.

Why choose hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy has long been recognized to be a very powerful method for personal development. In fact, it is known to have been in use for the last 6,000 years. Today, all around the world, people use the power of hypnosis to help deal with a vast range of problems. Everyone experiences hypnosis regularly. Hypnosis is simply a state of heightened relaxation and altered awareness.

What does hypnosis feel like?
You are deeply relaxed and calm, aware of everything happening around you. It is a pleasant and enjoyable state. We all go in and out of hypnosis everyday without being aware of it. An example is, when we are driving along a familiar route or engrossed in a good film or book and you seem to lose track of time or place.

Can anyone be hypnotized?
Yes, although not everyone can reach the same level of trance.

Will I be unconscious?
There is a lot of confusion about the word unconscious. Because hypnotherapy deals with the unconscious mind, this leaves a realm of ambiguity around the word unconscious. If you were unconscious you would not be able to hear the suggestion from the hypnotherapist.

I don't like the idea of having my mind being controlled.
Hypnosis is perfectly safe, you cannot get fixated and you cannot do anything you do not want to do. You do not lose control, in fact, you will become more keenly aware of what you are thinking and feeling. If during hypnosis, anyone says something you do not agree with, you would automatically reject that suggestion and come straight out of hypnosis.

Will I know what's going on?
Often you will remember what was being discussed under hypnosis more than anything else that day. This is because you were in a more focused state of mind. You will be able to remember the details of the session. It is not a loss of control; instead it is rather like a guide to your resources.

So I am not asleep then?
You will just be very relaxed and your awareness will be enhanced, not dulled. Often you may feel as if you have not been “under” although in actual fact you have been hypnotized in the session.

I commonly use hypnotherapy to help a client uncover the roots of emotional problems or blocks and to recover from early life traumas. As a clinical hypnotherapist I facilitate the session assisting the client to access a trance state and help them obtain the answers they seek, all in a safe and secure environment.

Hypnosis is safe and effective. You are always aware. You are always in charge.

What can hypnotherapy treat?
This is not an exhaustive list, but is designed to give you an idea of the range of conditions that can be helped by hypnotherapy.

• Smoking cessation
• Fear, stress, anxiety
• Phobias
• Pain management
• Panic attacks
• Test anxiety
• Confidence, motivation, self-esteem
• Anger management
• Sports, work performance
• Increase motivation